Bournemouth vs Liverpool – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

High-flying Bournemouth welcome league leaders Liverpool to the South Coast this afternoon.

The Cherries extended their unbeaten streak to 12 matches after an emphatic 5-0 thrashing of Nottingham Forest last Saturday.

Andoni Iraola has been getting the most out of a depleted squad in recent weeks with eight out injured.

Luis Sinisterra is the only individual from that pool of players who is nearing a return but his inclusion in the squad this afternoon is unlikely. Strikers Evanilson and Enes Unal are in the early stages of rehabilitation from long-term injuries. Marcos Senesi and Alex Scott are still a few weeks away from recovering from their respective injuries.

Liverpool progressed into the last 16 of the Champions League as the best-performing team despite losing to PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday.

Joe Gomez, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez all trained on Friday but Arne Slot may take a cautious approach to reintegrating the trio.

Curtis Jones didn’t travel to the Netherlands and is doubtful for the trip to the Vitality Stadium.

Bournemouth vs Liverpool – Match preview and team news

Form

Bournemouth: WWDWW

It was a five-star display from the Cherries last weekend as they beat Nottingham Forest 5-0.

Makeshift striker Dango Ouattara recorded his first senior hat-trick with Justin Kluviert and Antonie Semenyo also adding to the rout.

Andoni Iraola has deservedly received a heap of praise as his Bournemouth team are unbeaten since November.

During that period, they have beaten Manchester United and Tottenham and more recently thumped fellow European contenders Newcastle and Forest.

Bournemouth are only a point away from fourth-placed Manchester City and four points away from third. Moreover, they are now only eight points off their tally from the entirety of last season with 15 games still to play.

Liverpool: DWWWL

Liverpool faltered for the first time in Europe this season as they were dealt a 3-2 defeat by PSV Eindhoven.

A heavily rotated outfit took the lead twice in the Netherlands before conceding two goals just before half-time.

They couldn’t find a response and, to make matters worse, young defender Amara Nallo was sent off four minutes into his senior debut in the latter stages.

Losses have been a rarity for the Reds this term and that defeat in Eindhoven was only their third in all competitions.

The result proved to be immaterial as Liverpool still finished top of the Champions League league phase by two points.

Arne Slot’s side have a crucial few weeks ahead. A challenging encounter with Bournemouth precedes the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final with Spurs. The Merseyside club are 1-0 down on aggregate heading into the clash at Anfield. The following week they make the short journey to local rivals Everton for the last ever Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.

Last Meeting: Liverpool 3-0 Bournemouth, Premier League, 21st September 2024

Liverpool sealed the victory within the first half back in September when they beat Bournemouth 3-0 at Anfield.

Antoine Semenyo thought he had put the visitors ahead after he lunged to convert past Caoimhin Kelleher but replays showed that the Ghanaian had strayed a fraction offside.

Luis Diaz was lively from the left flank from the first whistle and forced Kepa Arrizabalaga into a strong stop with a swerving effort. The Spanish stopper denied the Colombian once again minutes later. Diaz tried to beat him at the near post despite having options in Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez.

However, the energetic South American wouldn’t be denied for much longer. Ibrahima Konate’s direct long ball drew Arrizabalaga off his line but Diaz managed to beat him to the ball. With the goalkeeper stranded, Liverpool’s number seven placed an effort past the desperate Julian Araujo and into the net.

The goalscorer doubled his tally for the afternoon shortly after as he slid the ball underneath the Bournemouth stopper. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s marauding run attracted the attention of several defenders – which afforded Diaz the space to measure a finish.

Nunez put the hosts three up before the break in spectacular fashion. Another inconspicuous long ball caused issues for the Bournemouth defence and saw the Uruguayan pick up possession on the right. With confidence, Nunez cut inside before curling a strike beyond the outstretched reach of Arrizabalaga.

Luis Sinisterra struck the crossbar in the second half but the visitors couldn’t breach Kelleher’s net and Liverpool picked up another three points.

Predicted Lineups

Bournemouth: Arrizabalaga; Cook, Zabarnyi, Huijsen, Kerkez; Christie, Adams; Brooks, Kluivert, Semenyo; Ouattara,

Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Diaz, Gakpo.

Who is the referee?

Darren England will be the match official. Akil Howson and Steve Meredith will assist him while Steve Martin will be the fourth official. The VAR will be John Brooks and he will be assisted by Dan Cook.

What TV channel is Bournemouth vs Liverpool on?

Bournemouth vs Liverpool will not be televised live in the United Kingdom due to the 3pm blackout.

What time is kick-off?

Kick-off at the Vitality Stadium will be at 15:00 GMT on Saturday 1st February 2025.

Bournemouth vs Liverpool Match Odds

Bournemouth: 7/2

Draw: 10/3

Liverpool: 4/6

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